Girlguiding research briefing: Early findings on the impact of Covid-19 on girls and young women

May 2020 1 Contents

Introduction 01 Overview 02 1. Health and 03 Introduction wellbeing has been tracking girls’ and 2. Education 05 young women’s views through our Girls’ Attitudes Survey for over a decade, 3. Homelife and 07 building a clear picture of what it’s like community growing up as a girl in the UK today. It involvement shows that they face a specific combination of pressures and experiences – many borne 4. Information 08 out of underlying gender inequalities and the media – that can affect their mental health and wellbeing and ability to fulfil their Methodology 09 potential as equal, active citizens. In May 2020, Girlguiding surveyed almost 7,000 girls and young women aged 4 to 18 across the UK to find out how the coronavirus crisis and lockdown is affecting them, the majority were Girlguiding members. The findings show that girls are facing specific challenges as a result of the pandemic, which like for most people, has radically changed their day to day life and created uncertainties for their future.

Their voices highlight how their health and wellbeing, homelife, and education have been affected, their views on getting trustworthy and relevant information to help them navigate these uncertain times, and how they are playing their part in their communities.

Girlguiding research briefing - Introduction 1 Overview These early findings offer an insight into The majority of young women (85%) are girls’ and young women’s lives under spending more time on social media during lockdown and their concerns for the future. lockdown. Many are staying connected this The findings are mixed, as you might way with 78% saying they’ve used new apps expect. Many girls, especially younger girls, and games to communicate with friends report feeling happy at home and enjoying and family. But with increased time online, at least some of their time in lockdown over a quarter of those aged 15 to 18 report doing fun activities and continuing to learn feeling increased appearance (26%) and in new ways. This is despite boredom being social pressures (28%). 43% aged 15 to 18 say the most prevalent feeling expressed across they are more worried about fake news now. all ages. But there is cause for concern as a picture of distress also emerges, The government is the preferred source of particularly for those aged 15 to 18. information for the majority (74%) of girls aged 11 to 18. Yet almost half (48%) feel There are signs of girls feeling sad from a information is aimed at adults and three very young age with a third (33%) of girls in five (61%) say they would like more aged 4 to 10 saying they feel sad most of information from the government directly the time. A third (34%) of girls aged 11 to for children and young people. 14 say they feel lonely most of the time. Two in five aged 15 to 18 say they feel There are positive elements of life in stressed (45%) and / or worried (42%) most lockdown for many girls and young women. of the time. Overall, a quarter of girls The improvements to the environment aged 11 to 14 (24%) and half of girls aged and nature during this crisis, such as less 15 to 18 (51%) report that coronavirus / pollution and reduced carbon emissions, lockdown has had a negative impact on is reported as having the most positive their mental health. impact on how young women aged 15 to 18 feel, with 61% saying this. Also positive Young women aged 15 to 18 particularly for girls aged 11 to 18 are more time with report feeling worried, stressed and family and for doing activities they like, overwhelmed. The factors most affecting less academic pressure, doing physical them are uncertainty about school and activity, and trying new hobbies. However, education (76%), feelings of loneliness notably, this age group report doing less and isolation (51%), and a lack of freedom physical activity than before. and independence (44%). The cancellation of exams has caused anxiety. Social In a positive show of community action, isolation is putting a strain on their most girls across all age groups (96%) have relationships at home. been following the rules to stay home. Nearly all girls have taken part in the Their worries extend into the future with weekly clap for carers, 90% of girls aged concern about the longer-term impact of 4 to 10 have put or posters in this crisis on the economy and jobs, social their windows and almost a third of girls life, and their educational opportunities. aged 15 to 18 (30%) said they have made Nearly all (90%) girls aged 11 to 18 would a donation or fundraised for a charity. like more information about what to expect in the future.

Girlguiding research briefing - Overview 2 1. Health and wellbeing The research reveals that the coronavirus crisis is having a significant impact on the wellbeing of girls and young women. Many report feeling worried, stressed, lonely and unhappy about elements of their life under lockdown.

A significant proportion of girls say their mental health has been negatively impacted, increasing with age. Older girls’ top worries are uncertainty about their education, loneliness and isolation, and the lack of freedom and independence. Their worries extend into the future with concern about the longer-term impact of this crisis on the economy and jobs, and their educational opportunities.

At the same time, some girls and young women are feeling positive about elements of life in lockdown, including improvements to the environment, and time with family and for their hobbies. Girls are also taking steps to stay active and learn something new.

Physical and mental health Girls are much more worried about ‘I feel overwhelmed because it’s all over others’ physical health than their own. the news and you can’t get away from it.’ Whilst a quarter of girls aged 11 to 14 Young woman, aged 15 to 18 (27%) and a third of those aged 15 to 18 (35%) say they are worried about their ‘I feel agitated in such a small own physical health and getting sick, four space for so many days.’ in five girls say they are worried about Young woman, aged 15 to 18 other people’s health and them getting ‘Being at home all the time [has been sick (77% and 85% respectively). difficult] as we often clash and don’t get ‘I’m worried as mummy works on well leading to stress and tension.’ in the hospital.’ Young woman, aged 15 to 18 Girl, aged 4 to 10 When asked to choose the words that A quarter of girls aged 11 to 14 (24%) and describe how they feel most of the time half of girls aged 15 to 18 (51%) report that during lockdown, there is consistency of the coronavirus and lockdown has had a mixed emotions across all ages. Girls’ top negative impact on their mental health. five words by age group were: Of girls aged 15 to 18, 67% said they felt • Aged 4 to 10: bored (57%), happy (46%), disconnected and lonely not being able to sad (33%), worried (31%), lonely (28%) see their friends. Nearly half (47%) of girls in • Aged 11 to 14: bored (66%), calm (46%), this age group said social isolation is putting happy (41%), lonely (34%), relaxed (30%) a strain on their relationships at home. • Aged 15 to 18: bored (67%), calm (45%), stressed (45%), worried (42%), happy (39%)

Girlguiding research briefing - Health and wellbeing 3 Factors affecting wellbeing

The top factors negatively affecting how ‘The worst thing is feeling lonely not girls aged 15 to 18 feel during this time seeing friends. But it’s good that the include: environment is improving with less cars • Uncertainty about school and and planes around.’ education (76%) Girl, aged 4 to 10 • Feelings of loneliness and isolation (51%) Girls aged 11 to 18 are doing several • A lack of freedom and independence (44%) things to help them through this • Worrying about getting sick or others challenging time, including: getting sick (42%) • Keeping in touch with family and • Worrying about my family’s financial friends (90%) situation /jobs (18%) • Trying to relax, have fun and do hobbies (81%) The top factors positively affecting how they feel include: • Doing physical activity when they can (72%) • Improvements to the environment and nature such as less pollution and reduced • Focusing on schoolwork (58%) carbon emissions (61%) • Not watching, reading or listening to • More time with family (52%) the news too much (47%) • More time to play and do hobbies (50%) ‘I’m trying not to look too far ahead • Not going to school and less academic as this situation is so unpredictable pressure (34%) it’s best to take it a day at a time.’ • More connected through video calls Young woman, aged 15 to 18 and apps and games (22%) and to their ‘I’ve been reducing my time on community (11%) social media.’ ‘I’m happy because I’m with my family more, Young woman, aged 15 to 18 but I’m sad because I miss my friends.’ Girl, aged 4 to 10

Coming out of lockdown As we learn about the government’s plans • Being behind at school / college (70%) to come out of lockdown, girls and young • Restrictions on travelling or going on women face additional worries about the holiday (68%) longer-term impact of this crisis. For those • Confusion about what is allowed / aged 15 to 18 these include: the rules (60%) • The impact on the economy and people’s jobs (87%) ‘I’m nervous for my next steps like finding a job.’ • That the virus will spread again (87%) Young woman, aged 15 to 18 • Another lockdown in the future (74%)

Girlguiding research briefing - Health and wellbeing 4 2. Education It’s clear that the closure of schools has had a major impact on girls and young women. They miss seeing their friends and learning at school. Younger girls miss their teachers and teaching assistants and playtime with their friends. Whilst just under half say they like learning at home, they also say they’re finding it hard to focus on schoolwork during this time. For some, this different way of learning, alongside the uncertainties that remain, is causing them to feel overwhelmed and stressed.

The cancellation of exams has fuelled anxieties of older girls who feel disappointed and worried about it. They face further uncertainties around career prospects with many having had their planned work experience, internship or apprenticeship postponed or cancelled.

The closure of schools Girls and young women feel a range For girls aged 11 to 18, some say they are of emotions in response to their schools missing learning at school, whilst others will being closed. The most prevalent miss out on plans they had made or events emotions for each age group reported are: they had expected, especially for those • Aged 4 to 10: sad (64%); lonely (24%); who are transitioning to secondary school or happy (22%) leaving school or college. They report: • Aged 11 to 14: sad (48%); lonely (33%); • Missing school trips, events worried (24%) or celebrations (70%) • Aged 15 to 18: worried and anxious (58%); • Missing learning (50%) sad (40%); relieved (36%) • Missing school sports (29%)

The closure of schools means girls are ‘The place I miss most is school because of missing friends and their wider school the social aspect with friends and some of community. For the youngest girls aged 4 to the teachers.’ 10 this includes: Young woman, aged 15 to 18 • Missing their friends (95%) ‘I’m really struggling without my clubs. • Missing their teachers and teaching They were moments in the week I could assistants (79%) look forward to, especially as I struggled • Missing playtime (59%) with making friends at school.’ Young woman, aged 15 to 18 ‘Sometimes I feel sad because I miss my friends and school, but I understand we ‘The fact the biggest year of my life has have to stay at home to save lives and been completely cancelled has been protect ourselves.’ difficult. No GCSEs, no Poland, no holiday, Girl, aged 4 to 10 no prom, no leavers day. It’s the missing out on the experiences I’ve worked so ‘I’m in year 6 so I didn’t get to say hard for for five years.’ goodbye to my friends and I’m sad Young woman, 15 to 18 I won’t see them again.’ Girl, aged 4 to 10

Girlguiding research briefing - Education 5 Learning from home The cancellation of exams

Girls and young women have adjusted to The cancellation of exams has fuelled a radically different way of learning. For anxieties of older girls aged 15 to 18, some, this has been positive, with 42% who feel worried or anxious (41%) and of those aged 4 to 14 saying they like it. disappointed (39%) about it. Whilst For others, it has been more challenging, a third (35%) say they feel okay about with 29% saying they don’t like it. their teachers predicting their grades, a third (32%) also say they feel ‘My mum and dad work so they don’t concerned about this. have enough time to teach me.’ Girl, aged 4 to 10 ‘I will have a lot more pressure next year.’ Young woman, aged 15 to 18 For the 11 to 18 age group, a third (33%) say learning at home has resulted ‘I’m worried about the possibility that in less pressure. However, half (48%) some teachers won’t predict their report finding it hard to concentrate students’ grades correctly and mine on schoolwork at the moment and a may suffer as a result.’ third (34%) say they’re finding it hard to Young woman, aged 15 to 18 balance schoolwork and time to relax. ‘I am gutted that exams were cancelled ‘I have to share a laptop with my mum as my results have now been taken out as we only have one.’ of my control.’ Girl, aged 11 to 14 Young woman, aged 15 to 18 ‘I’m worried about getting behind in my work.’ Girl, aged 11 to 14

For the oldest group surveyed aged 15 to 18, over a third (38%) say they feel overwhelmed by the amount of schoolwork they have to do. Over a third (37%) report that their school is giving them the support and help they need to learn at home. A fifth (21%) say they’re worried about not getting the support they would usually get at school such as careers advice. ‘I’ve been finding the balance between relaxing and schoolwork really difficult.’ Young woman, aged 15 to 18

Girlguiding research briefing - Education 6 3. Homelife and community involvement Most girls and young women report doing more activities at home than they were before, such as watching videos, gaming and trying new things. The exception is that girls aged 11 to 18 report doing less physical activity than before. Across all age groups, community life has been important with almost all girls taking some action to support their communities.

Homelife Supporting communities Most girls and young women are doing more Despite feeling worried and uncertain, girls activities at home than they were before and young women are doing a number of lockdown across all age groups, including things to help others and their communities spending time with family and / or the through this challenging time. In a positive people they live with (77%), watching TV, show of community action, nearly all girls shows, films and videos (63%), and playing have followed the rules to stay home (96% video games and games online (36%). across all age groups from 4 to 18), taken part in the weekly clap for carers (90%) and The only activity girls say they are doing less created visual displays of support for key of is physical activity. For girls aged 11 to workers such as putting rainbows or posters 18, 30% are doing more than before, 30% the in their windows (90% of girls aged 4 to 10). same as before, and 41% less than before. ‘I painted stones and left them outside A large minority of girls and young women for people to see to make them smile.’ say they are doing more chores at home Girl, aged 4 to 10 (44% aged 11 to 18) and 41% say they’re spending more time caring for others ‘I have found that many people in my during this time. community are using their newfound free time to be more connected like offering to ‘I am expected to help out around the shop for those who are more likely to be house more than my dad and brothers.’ affected by Covid-19.’ Young woman, aged 15 to 18 Young woman, aged 15 to 18

Some girls and young women are using Almost two thirds (63%) of young women time in lockdown to try new hobbies and aged 15 to 18 have checked in with an activities. Of those aged 11 to 18, 43% say elderly or vulnerable relative or neighbour. they are trying a new activity or hobby Almost a third (30%) have made a donation more than before and 51% say they’re going or fundraised for a charity. A third (33%) online to learn something new more now say they would like to do more to help, than before. but they don’t know how to, suggesting ‘I feel that lockdown has allowed me to that more could be done to support young complete activities that I wouldn’t have people to feel confident in knowing how had the time for before and has brought they could help. the community together.’ Young woman, aged 15 to 18

Girlguiding research briefing - Homelife and community involvement 7 4. Information and the media It’s no surprise that girls and young women are spending more time online, with many connecting to others this way and trying new apps and games to do this. But with increased time online, girls are facing increased pressures from social media around their appearance and what they’re doing. The crisis has increased their concern about fake news. Girls and young women want reliable information that’s relevant for them directly from the government.

Information about Life online coronavirus It’s no surprise that girls and young women For those aged 11 to 18, there are gaps are spending more time on social media in getting the information they need: during lockdown, with 85% of girls aged 15 to 18 saying this. Many are keeping • 90% want more information about what connected this way with 78% saying they’ve to expect in the future, such as the re- used new apps and games to communicate opening of schools with friends and family. But with increased • 65% would like to know where to get time online, they’re facing increased trustworthy information for children pressures. The 15 to 18 age group report and young people they feel under more pressure to: • 61% would like more information directly • Be productive and share the things from the government to children and they’ve achieved on social media (28%) young people • Look a certain way on social media, • 48% feel all the advice and information e.g. lose weight or exercise (26%) about coronavirus is for adults • Be online all the time (20%) ‘The government need to help us and tell us what is going on in child-friendly terms.’ The crisis has increased concern about fake Girl, aged 11 to 14 news: 43% of young women aged 15 to 18 feel more worried about fake news and On sources of information about what information they can trust. coronavirus, girls and young women aged ‘I think girls are struggling with pressures 11 to 18 rank their preferences as the to use this time to lose weight and get government (74%), parents or carers (58%), a ‘summer body’.’ the news (58%), and teachers (45%). Most girls aged 4 to 14 have spoken to a parent or Young woman, aged 15 to 18 carer (90% across the age range) and their ‘I hate all the misinformation.’ friends about coronavirus (40% for girls aged Young woman, 15 to 18 4 to 10 and 68% for girls aged 11 to 14).

Some girls (40%) aged 15 to 18 are aware of seeing positive leadership from women during this crisis whilst others feel there has been lack of visibility.

Girlguiding research briefing - Information and the media 8 Methodology A total of 6,678 girls and young women completed the online survey that was open from 1 to 5 May 2020. 97% of respondents were Girlguiding members. Parents and carers were asked to support girls to complete the survey from ages 4 to 13. From age 14 and above, girls and young women were encouraged to complete the survey themselves. Questions were tailored for the age groups 4 to 10 (4,261 responses), 11 to 14 (1,538 responses), and 15 to 18 (879 responses).

Girlguiding research briefing - Overview 9 About Girlguiding Girlguiding is the leading charity for girls and young women in the UK, with almost half a million members. Thanks to the dedication and support of 100,000 amazing volunteers, we are active in every part of the UK, giving girls and young women a space where they can be themselves, have fun, build brilliant friendships, gain valuable life skills and make a positive difference to their lives and their communities. We build girls’ confidence and raise their aspirations. We give them the chance to discover their full potential and encourage them to be a powerful force for good. We give them a space to have fun. We run Rainbows (5–7 years, 4-7 years in Ulster), (7–10 years), Guides (10–14 years) and Rangers (14–18 years).

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